Sydney’s famous ‘gaybourhood’ streets are set to come alive with street dining, free performances and celebrations at Sydney WorldPride’s festival hub, Pride Villages.
The free-to-attend spaces will see Crown and Riley Streets filled with stalls, dining and bars while also featuring performances from local and international talent, including iconic Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst and self-love superstars Big Thick Energy and Australia’s Queen of Cabaret, Trevor Ashley.
On 4 to 5 March, the final weekend of Sydney WorldPride, Oxford Street, will be transformed into a street party to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. During both days of the all-ages Oxford Street Party, the American Express Oxford Street Stage will feature free performances by Australian talents including Vassy, HANDSOME, Haiku Hands and Chela.
Speaking ahead of her appearances in Sydney, Conchita Wurst said she was excited about being part of Sydney WorldPride.
“I cannot wait to spread all the happiness that I already feel knowing that soon I will be back Down Under!,” Wurst said.
NSW Minister for the Arts and Tourism Ben Franklin said the Pride Villages, funded by the NSW Government, would create hubs of joy, vibrancy and inclusivity where all were welcome to celebrate the largest Pride festival in the world.
“The NSW Government is proud to support Sydney WorldPride and we welcome everyone to the Pride Villages to take the rainbow-coloured party to the streets for nine days of WorldPride,” Mr Franklin said.
“Pride Villages will create a vibrant festival atmosphere, giving the 78,000 expected visitors to Sydney free and open spaces to gather, celebrate and enjoy the festival.”
More than 20 local businesses – including much-loved shops and venues the Riley Hotel on Riley Street, the Burdekin and Stonewall on Oxford Street, and High Heels on Crown Street – will extend their footprint onto the street to allow patrons additional space to connect with friends and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Sydney WorldPride’s beverage partners including Little Creatures, Johnnie Walker, Absolut, Squealing Pig and Archie Rose will also have pop-up bars for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.
Kate Wickett, Chief Executive of Sydney WorldPride said Pride Villages would be the heart of the Sydney WorldPride, taking place in the spiritual home of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community.
“Pride Villages is the realisation of a vision we have had from the outset – to bring together the LGBTQIA+ community, Sydneysiders, visitors, businesses and performers, in an inclusive experience for everyone,” Wickett said.
Richie Haines, Chief Operating Officer at Universal Hotels, said: the activation of Pride Villages for Sydney WorldPride is fantastic not just for the Oxford Street neighbourhood and its businesses, but for the whole city.
“The whole Universal Hotels team is looking forward to Sydney taking its mantle as a truly global city across the festival period – and Pride Villages will be a big part of that,” Haines said.
OPERATING HOURS
Pride Villages are free to attend. No ticket is required.
Pride Villages – Crown and Riley Street
Friday 24th Feb – 3pm-10pm
Sunday 26th Feb – 10am-10pm
Monday 27th Feb-Thursday 2nd March – 2pm-10pm
Friday 3rd March – 2pm-11pm
Saturday 4th March – 12pm-1am
Sunday 5th March – 10am-10pm
*NOTE: Pride Villages will not be activated on Sat 25 Feb due to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
Pride Villages – Oxford Street Party
Saturday 4th March – 12pm-1am
Sunday 5th March – 10am-10pm
For more information go here.
Last Updated on Feb 12, 2023
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